Blind Rehabilitation Center Licensed Practical Nurse

About the role

The Blind Rehabilitation Center is comprised of a 13 bed inpatient unit that provides services to qualified Veterans.

The mission is to assist Veterans and service members who are blind, have low vision adjust to their sight loss; to help them learn skills and alternate techniques that will reduce their overall risk, improve their quality of life, enable them to reach their maximum level of independence to help them develop positive attitudes, self-esteem and a renewed sense of self-worth.

What you will do

• The mission of BRC is to assist Veterans and service members who are blind, have low vision adjust to their sight loss; to help them learn skills and alternate techniques that will reduce their overall risk, improve their quality of life, enable them to reach their maximum level of independence; and most importantly, to help them develop positive attitudes, self-esteem and a renewed sense of self-worth.
• The BRC utilizes and interdisciplinary approaches a dynamic array of programs, activities, and services in a safe homelike environment that is conducive to learning and health promotion.
• Respond to Veteran calls for assistance and address patient needs in a timely manner.
• Ensure proper identification of Veteran per policy before administering care.
• Willingly assist co-workers without being asked and work well as a team member.
• Actively participate in change of shift by communicating all pertain Veteran information to Team Leader, Charge Nurse or receiving shift.
• Assist registered nurse with admission, transfer, and discharge of residents.
• Completing duties as assigned and under the supervision of the registered nurse.
• Give bed bath, tub and shower baths, shampoo hair, trim nails and assist residents with grooming.
• He/she will consistently promote Veteran independence, rehabilitation, and restorative nursing as the Veteran plan of care dictates.
• Give morning and evening care.
• Provide and assist in oral hygiene and denture care.
• Change linen of occupied and unoccupied beds.
• Assist Veterans with bedpans and urinals.
• Feed Veterans and assist those who need help with eating.
• Change Veterans' position, maintain body alignment and take measures to prevent skin breakdown and/or deformity.
• Apply and observe comfort and safety devices as directed by the registered nurse.
• Practice safety precautions according to written procedure in performance of duties when working with Veterans and Veteran's personal care devices, medication administration and unit equipment.
• Perform duties in a safe manner to prevent Veteran/employee accident/injury.
• Safely operate equipment such as specialized beds, prosthetic devices, and suction machines.
• Utilize proper body mechanics, mechanical lifting devices and transfer aids when lifting and moving Veterans to prevent injury to self and others.
• Assist in maintaining a clean and orderly unit environment; keep supplies and equipment clean and in proper places, observe infection control guidelines, etc. He/she is expected to take personal accountability in reducing Veteran's risk of trips and falls by taking quick and immediate action to correct any environmental safety concerns.
• Utilize principles of infection control, cleanliness and hand washing to assure a safe, clean environment to prevent cross infections.
• Understand and utilize principles of Universal Precautions and type of isolation for protection of Veterans and/or self.
• Report faulty equipment or safety hazards.
• Be knowledgeable and correctly utilizes the RACE procedure during fire drills and emergency situations.
• Verbalizes the steps within the RACE procedure and his/her responsibility.
• Verbalize role of unit/staff in a disaster including recognition of disaster alarms/notification per policy.
• Also recognizing alternate power sources and mechanism to use on the event of utility system failure.
• Be knowledgeable regarding location of MSDS for all hazardous chemicals used within the assigned area and take appropriate action as needed to mitigate situation.
• Document medications administered, care and treatments provided and Veteran's response to therapy in the clinical record.
• Document on flow sheets, Reports of Contact, and Incident Reports as appropriate.
• Recognize and report acute changes in Veteran conditions to the registered nurse (R.N.) and documents observations appropriately.
• Maintain rapport with Veterans, families, volunteers, visitors, and co­workers.
• Accurately document measurements such as vital signs, weights, and finger sticks for glucose monitoring, intake and output.
• Provide input into the formulation of the nursing care plan.
• Provide for Veterans' physical and psychosocial needs.
• Provide emotional support to Veterans and families.
• Assist with diagnostic procedures such as physical exams, using sterile technique as appropriate, if applicable to assigned unit.
• Collect and label specimens for laboratory study such as urine, sputum, and stool.
• Administer oxygen and inhalation therapy as ordered.
• Accurately obtain and document measurements and pulse oximetry to include documentation of oxygen flow rate/room air and route.
• Work in area with service dogs Work Schedule: Various, may include 8- and 12-hour shifts, days, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Schedule will ultimately be determined by supervisor and facility needs Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
• Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (***).
• Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
• As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
• In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
• Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: ***

If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: ***

How you will be evaluated

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC.

WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Documents you must provide

• Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position.
• Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc. Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (VA) License Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript REMINDER Current, permanent federal employees must submit recent SF-50 from the past 12 months which clearly shows current, permanent federal eligibility.
• Examples of appropriate SF-50's include: General adjustment/Cost of living Increase Within grade increases at the highest grade held Promotions SF-50's at the highest grade held within the past year Cash Award, benefit changes or time off Awards 50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted.
• Please check your electronic official personnel folder (eOPF) for your most recent SF-50.
• HR will not contact you for more info or documents.
• You can attach more than 1 SF50.
• All current, permanent federal employees applicants must ensure that they have included one or more SF50's showing current, permanent employment status in the past 12 months.

What to expect next

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met.

After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center. NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.

HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities.

HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities.

HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience.

This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions.

Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

VA Careers - Licensed Practical Nurse: Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Whole Health Statement: The VA Sunshine Healthcare Network (VISN 8) advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest.

As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model that is based in a partnership across time, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community.

This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.